More about Doug E. Fresh

The first human beatbox in the rap world, and still the best of all time, Doug E. Fresh amazed audiences with his note-perfect imitations of drum machines, effects, and often large samples of hip-hop classics. Fresh was born Doug E. Davis in Barbados, and his first appearance came in 1983 on a single for Spotlight called “Pass the Budda,” with Spoonie Gee and DJ Spivey. His introduction to most hip-hop fans, though, came one year later with his astonishing performance in Beat Street behind the Treacherous Three. His first solo features also came in 1984, with “Just Having Fun,” waxed for Enjoy, and “Original Human Beatbox” for Vinentertainment.

By 1985, Fresh was one of the biggest names in rap music, and his first single for Reality, “The Show/La Di Da Di,” became a hip-hop classic. It was recorded with his Get Fresh Crew, including MC Ricky D (only later to gain fame as Slick Rick), along with Barry Bee and Chill Will. His first LP, 1987’s Oh, My God!, featured most of his showpieces, like “Play This Only at Night” and “All the Way to Heaven,” along with nods to reggae and even gospel. His second album, 1988’s The World’s Greatest Entertainer, broke into the Billboard charts thanks to another hot single, “Keep Risin’ to the Top,” but Slick Rick had already broken from the pack and his LP of the same year, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, did much better than Doug E. Fresh. Fresh took a break and wasn’t able to regain momentum with 1992’s Doin’ What I Gotta Do, released through MC Hammer’s Bust It label. He did reunite on a Slick Rick LP, and recorded again in 1995 for Gee Street.

More about Next Town Down

Five guys who found each other through social media and got together to start something the world has never seen before. We are on the journey of a lifetime, and we want YOU to be a part of it. Follow us on our path to the top by subscribing to our newsletter to get the latest updates on what we’re up to and more! And if you haven’t already, follow us on social media. Much love! – NTD (CHRIS, LEON, TERENCE, MALIK, TRE’VON)

The History of JuneteenthJuneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the emancipation of slavery in the state of Texas. Historically, the celebration falls on June 19th and commemorates the day in 1865 that Texans were told by Union troops that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were now freed. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, there was little impact on the lives of Texans until 1865.

Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.